Morning routine
Today, I set my alarm for 10 am because I had to go for some tests. However, getting out of bed right away proved to be a challenge. I had to snooze the alarm for 30 minutes. During that half-hour, I kept reminding myself of what needed to happen as part of my morning routine: ‘Count down from 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, and then get out of bed, turn on the light, open the curtains, and make the bed before heading to the washroom.’
Remember, the battle is always in the mind. If the mind goes into overthinking mode, there is a need to call out some of the lies it tells us and then get going with what YOU want it to do. When the alarm went off again after 30 minutes, I successfully followed this routine. It’s essential to take control of how you instruct your mind, rather than letting it dictate your actions.
Next, I decided to make some French toast (I’m adding an image below for reference).
Cooking can be therapeutic for me, even if the end result isn’t perfect. The French toast turned out to be less than satisfactory, and I probably won’t make it again. Nevertheless, I’m proud of the effort I put into trying something new. It’s these little moments of self-care that help me cope with the challenges of depression. If you’d rather watch Gordon Ramsey make the perfect French Toast, head over: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFSkbsyasu8
After my culinary adventure, I got ready and left for some blood tests as recommended by my GP. These tests are a part of my ongoing journey to manage my health and well-being. I had to wait for about 30 minutes at the clinic, but the rest of the process went smoothly. It’s essential to stay proactive about your health when dealing with depression, as physical health and mental health are closely intertwined.
After getting done with the blood tests, I headed to Best Buy because I’m interested in purchasing a laptop to start learning Data Analytics. This is a significant step for me, as I’ve decided to transition from a career in Sales to Data Analytics. It’s a field that I’m passionate about, and I believe it will open up new opportunities for me. If you’ve recently made a similar career switch, I’d love to have a conversation with you. Sharing experiences and insights can be incredibly valuable when embarking on a new path.
Evening
Next on the agenda were some Uber rides. As I explore new career options, I’m also looking for ways to supplement my income. I did three passenger rides and earned about $30 in three hours, although $10 of that goes toward fuel. It might not be the best profit, but it’s a start, right? Sometimes, it’s about taking small steps and embracing change gradually.
Night
I returned home around 7 pm, had dinner, even though I didn’t really feel like eating. Depression can often affect appetite, but I know the importance of nourishing my body. Before going to bed, I made sure to document all of this. Keeping a record of my daily experiences helps me track my progress and identify areas where I can make positive changes.
It’s September 2023, and for me, it’s the season of dealing with depression. While it may be a challenging time, it’s also a period of self-discovery and growth. Each day presents new opportunities to take charge of my life and work towards a brighter future with a good morning routine. If you’re also on a similar journey, remember that you’re not alone, and every small step forward is a victory worth celebrating. You can find the first post in this series here: https://reasonstolivefor.com/quick-update-on-my-life-september-2023/
In conclusion, living with depression is a daily battle, but by setting goals, seeking new opportunities, and embracing change, I’m determined to overcome its challenges and find hope in each day. Feel free to share your morning routine in comments below!